On a beautiful Monday night, God’s Love We Deliver hosted its 18th annual Golden Heart Awards at the stunning Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. The event celebrated the organization’s commitment to providing medically tailored meals to New Yorkers in need. With heartfelt stories, star-studded guests, and memorable performances, the evening highlighted the impact and growth of the organization’s vital work.
Sponsored by Dry Farm Wines and Dio, the night began with a vibrant cocktail hour before Kristin Chenoweth greeted the audience with her opening comments. Then David Ludwigson, President & CEO of God’s Love, showed a poignant movie including the voices and experiences of their clients. Michael Kors came on stage to present Sarah Jessica Parker the Michael Kors Award for Outstanding Philanthropy. Parker gave her medal to Pat Costello, a long-standing staff member who has served the company and its clients for more than thirty years, in a poignant gesture. The excitement of the evening persisted with a live auction under the direction of The Fundraising Guy Harry Santa-Olalla. Donor Sam Lombardo shocked everyone at the auction with a kind $1 million match, so increasing the significance of the evening’s contributions. Then guests were served dinner created by Melba Wilson, a member of the God’s Love Board and the visionary of Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem.
As the awards continued, Desiree Perez of Roc Nation presented the genLOVE Award for Outstanding Philanthropy to Megan Thee Stallion, recognizing her dedication to housing, education, and health initiatives in her hometown. Actor Chloe Fineman honored Cole Escola with the Golden Heart Award for Breakthrough Achievement in the Arts.
With a mesmerizing performance by Sam Smith, who delivered favorites like “Stay with Me, “Unholy,” and a soulful rendition of “Time After Time,” the evening came to an amazing conclusion. With the surprise $1 million match from Sam and Dena Lombardo among the over $4 million received by the Golden Heart Awards, God’s Love We Deliver guarantees the supply of over 400,000 nutritionally customized meals to clients and families served. Among the esteemed attendees were Zoey Deutch, Kristin Davis, Nicole Ari Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kaitlyn Dever, Renee Elise Goldsberry, and many more, so honoring compassion and community on this most holy occasion.
all image credits : The official GLWD
